The IMA Annual Luncheon will be in-person with the popular Breakout Education Sessions held virtually each day of the week. The Annual Luncheon features keynote remarks and celebration of the Manufacturer of the Year and Member Milestone Anniversary Awards!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Eugene D. Seroka
Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles

2022 BARRY L. MACLEAN
MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
The Will Group
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is proud to announce The Will Group’s selection as the recipient of the 2022 Barry L. MacLean Manufacturer of the Year that will be awarded at the IMA’s Annual Luncheon on December 2, 2022.
“I’m thrilled to honor The Will Group as the 2022 Manufacturer of the Year in Illinois for their amazing leadership in developing the next generation workforce for manufacturing and aerospace while investing in underserved areas that need economic development,” said Mark Denzler, president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “’Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way,’ is the company’s philosophy and they are empowering success by investing in their workforce and changing neighborhoods. This wonderful family-owned company is also honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by transforming the lives of at-risk youth with aviation career education and career path opportunities.”
The IMA’s annual award recognizes a company for their leadership in six core areas:
- Manufacturing Advocacy: Serves as a strong voice for the manufacturing industry at the local, state, or national level.
- Operational Excellence: Creates a profound and lasting impact on stakeholders, companies, markets, and suppliers within the manufacturing sector with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
- Innovation & Technology: Committed to innovation, Research & Development, transformative product development, or technological advances.
- Workforce Development & Diversity: Focused on building the next generation of leaders through support of education and workforce development programs.
- Community Engagement: Demonstrates long-term commitment to local community, charitable, and philanthropic efforts.
- Sustainability: Supports sustainable methods of production and elimination of non-value added activities from operations.
“What an incredible honor. This award would not be possible without my team who have made this milestone a reality,” said Stephen L. Davis, Founder and Chairman of the The Will Group. “As a company, our top priority is providing jobs to local residents. We believe that creating manufacturing jobs with good pay, good benefits, and good working conditions is the key to growing the global middle class and aggregate demand that is needed to power the economy. By creating this social capital, the community begins to change, it creates an ecosystem in which we can be proud. These manufacturing jobs are not only a driver of economic growth—they are also the vehicle through which economic growth is broadly shared to raise living standards city-wide.”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Registration
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Networking Reception and Exhibits
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch Program
Virtual Breakout Session #1: The Future of Energy & Marketing Uncertainty
Tuesday November 29 10:00 AM
The continued transition to clean energy, changes in energy markets and global events are creating major issues for cost and reliability.
Virtual Breakout Session #2: Economic Outlook
Wednesday November 30 10:00 AM
Inflation. Supply chains. Interest rates. Global unrest. The world’s economy is changing – when it is challenging to predict next week, what is reasonable to expect in 2023
Virtual Breakout Session #3: Creating a High Energy Culture that Builds Your Workforce
Thursday December 1 10:00 AM
What makes a company’s culture meaningful? When authentic, an organizational culture is a powerful force in retaining your employees and is sought out by future talent. Join us for this look at creative ideas to building an effective and memorable culture – from the Board Room to the Shop Floor.
Cancellations must be received in writing by November 22, 2022. Refunds will not be made after November 22, 2022.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Event Sponsor – $25,000
Includes premier seating and registration for two tables of 10
Program Sponsor – $17,500
Includes registration for two tables of 10
Lunch Sponsor – $12,500
Includes registration for one table of 10
Networking Reception Sponsor – $5,000
Includes registration for one table of 10
Gold Sponsor – $3,000
Includes registration for one table of 10
Table Sponsor – $1,750
Includes registration for one table of 10
Sponsorships must be confirmed by November 16 to be recognized in all promotional materials please
Thank you to the following sponsors for their generous support of the 2022 IMA Annual Luncheon.
